Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles miss chance to evaluate three intriguing players

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 1/6/23

Thanks to consecutive losses against the Cowboys and Saints with Gardner Minshew at QB, Philadelphia (13-3) must play its starters Sunday against the New York Giants, taking opportunities from three intriguing players.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean

Dean was drafted in the third round after a stellar career at Georgia capped by the 2021 Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. He seemed like a steal at pick No. 83, but Eagles fans haven't seen much of him.

T.J. Edwards is the starting middle linebacker, leading the team with 90 solo tackles. Edwards’ solid play has relegated Dean to special teams, but when given a chance, the former Bulldog has played well.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni said he is extremely “happy” with Nakobe Dean’s development so far.

Dean led the Eagles in total tackles and tackles for loss against the Titans, all while only playing 15 defensive snaps pic.twitter.com/EJYIR5iBNU
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 7, 2022

In Week 13 against the Titans, Dean made six tackles (five solo) in 15 snaps subbing for injured linebacker Kyzir White. His one-armed tackle of Tennessee's Derrick Henry in the backfield could be a sign of things to come.

Running back Trey Sermon

Sermon, a former Ohio State star, was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. Casual fans may remember him from his 254 yards rushing in a 2021 Sugar Bowl win over Clemson.

With so much talent, Sermon was expected to become a fixture in the 49ers’ backfield, but he spent his rookie season behind Raheem Mostert and sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell. In 2022, the 49ers released Sermon before the opener and the Eagles claimed him off waivers.

Sermon, who has only two carries for 19 yards as an Eagle, remains stuck behind RBs Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Miles Sanders.

Wide receiver Devon Allen

Allen, a 28-year-old rookie wide receiver, hasn't played this season. The former Olympic hurdler, a practice squad player, has blazing speed but lacks football savvy.

Devon Allen is disqualified from the men's 110m hurdles.

His reaction time was .001 faster than the .1 second threshold meaning he false started. #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/sIz6Pa1agy
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 18, 2022